PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, right hip strain, left knee degenerative arthritis, and right knee degenerative arthritis are being remanded due to the failure of the Veteran to report for scheduled VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including right ear hearing loss, PTSD, headache disorder, left ankle and knee disorders, and shoulder disorders. The decision also remanded several other issues.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 70 percent for PTSD was denied, while he was granted SMC at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's TBI and PTSD are not rated higher than the current assigned ratings.,PTSD is rated at 70 percent from June 16, 2021, but not higher.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has granted service connection for PTSD, headaches as secondary to a psychiatric disability, skin disability, chronic sinusitis, GERD, tinnitus, and hypertension. The claim for blood in stool is denied. The Board has also remanded several issues related to the Veteran's disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or a link between current symptoms and service.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms caused occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. The Board granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD prior to January 6, 2012.,The Veteran is also granted entitlement to TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and heart disability rendered him unable to secure and maintain a substantially gainful occupation from September 28, 2005, to May 28, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, which was secondary to his PTSD, were both denied. The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating of 70 percent, and there was insufficient evidence linking the current obstructive sleep apnea to service or its onset.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities on his employability. The Board requested additional development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of all his conditions.

The Veteran's right hip joint replacement residuals are granted a 70 percent rating, while the left hip degenerative arthritis and left thigh limitation of flexion remain at noncompensable ratings. A 100 percent rating is granted for PTSD as of December 9, 2020.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, as well as increased ratings for PTSD. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50% prior to December 6, 2017, and 70% effective March 6, 2019.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The Veteran is seeking service connection for this condition and its secondary effects on his skin disability.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD has been withdrawn by his attorney, and the case is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, due to insufficient examination findings. The Veteran's mental health history must be fully reviewed and all diagnosed conditions must be considered in determining service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to verify the Veteran's claimed stressors/events during service aboard the USS Gunston Hall, which is related to his psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective December 23, 2020. The appeal for a higher rating prior to that date remains pending.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for flat feet, hepatitis C, residuals of venereal disease (to include herpes), right wrist condition, bilateral hip conditions, erectile dysfunction, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of PTSD has been withdrawn by the Veteran.,The issue of a TDIU is not considered withdrawn and requires further development.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent prior to September 19, 2019 and 100 percent from that date.,Effective as of September 19, 2019, the Veteran now meets the schedular requirements for SMC.